Intertwined Fates
Prologue: New Beginnings
Darkness loomed over him, encasing him shadow as dark as night. Even though the young dragon hatchling struggled, he could not escape the horrors of his past, as they swirled around him, penetrating his very soul and bringing tears to his eyes.
Eragon! Wake up! Eragon!
Eragon awoke groggily, staring up at a sky tinged scarlet like blood. He tasted the metallic twinge of blood in his mouth and saw two dragons engaged in fierce aerial combat, one cast gold streaks across the sky, and another was as red as fire. Then one was caught off guard, and plunged slowly down, riderless.
Eragon! Look at me! said Saphira, looking at Eragon with a concerned expression.
"Saphira… I think Glaedr needs help…" Then the gravity of the situation shocked Eragon awake and onto his feet.
"Saphira! Glaedr is in trouble!"
Eragon quickly ran to the fallen dragon, followed by Saphira.
"Glaedr! What happened? Where's Oromis?" Eragon asked. Glaedr tried to stand, and roared,
Oromis…Oromis is gone! My soul is gone! before crashing to the ground once more, and as his Eldunarí glowed a bright gold, Glaedr's body grew still and cold. Saphira had a shocked expression as Eragon was yelling at Glaedr, over and over.
"No! Glaedr! Get up! We need you!" Eragon cried, getting no answer. He looked up and yelled at the rider and dragon circling above him,
"Why? Why did you kill him? Why?" Eragon still got no answer. Driven by rage, Eragon pulled Brisingr from its sheath and summoned all his magic into one word.
"BRISINGR!" Eragon's blade burst into flames, feeding off his rage, burning bright blue as he and Saphira charged at Thorn and Murtagh, who had landed nearby.
"Brother, we cannot change our loyalties, but we will try not to hurt you." Murtagh said calmly.
"I have no such restraints!" Eragon yelled. Continuing to charge at Murtagh, as Thorn also tried to warn Saphira unsuccessfully. They engaged in fierce swordplay, as Murtagh parried every blow from Eragon, enraging Eragon more and more. Even with his supernatural strength and speed, Eragon could not even land a scratch on Murtagh. Murtagh seemed to be drawing energy from an unknown source, as he did not tire. Eragon on the other hand, began to feel fatigued, and slowed down considerably. Even the Belt of Beloth the Wise had run dry, and Eragon was soon left panting and tired.
"Then you leave me no choice. Letta" Eragon froze, as did Saphira, in mid-run.
"Release me, so that I may kill you!" yelled Eragon with pure hatred. Saphira roared her agreement, as Murtagh began pacing around them.
"You left me no choice, and the king will be pleased." said Murtagh. He seated Eragon on Thorn and kept Saphira aloft while they flew to Galbatorix's castle, with the battle still raging below them. Eragon kept cursing and yelling insults at Murtagh until Murtagh froze his tongue as well. It seemed all hope for the Varden was lost, and they didn't even know it.